Hours later I sit in the medium sized bedroom that is mine, one I hardly ever sleep in. The meeting went as well as I thought. I am my mother's favourite son so she did not dwell to much on the time it took me to bring the princess here. I am to accompany my brothers in search of the iron fey, soon.

What am I to do about Meghan? No one must know about our feelings for each other and what we did. I could speak to her and ask a friend to watch over her while I'm gone. Rowen is the one more likely to play with her but with him on the search for the Iron fey she will be hounded by the other creatures here. The best thing I could do is speak with her before I leave and have someone watch over her.

I long to give Meghan a token of my love while I'm away and rummage through a dresser filled with my memories and keepsakes and things that were Ariella's. Our rings were there. A matching set of brass and silver leafs. I longed to give one to Meghan but people will know if they see her wearing Ariella's ring. Perhaps I can get another. One that belongs to Meghan alone, not a reminder of another women.

Then I remember. A very long time ago I got a ring made for the girl I would love someday. I was a foolish person once, well I am once again. I walk to my closet where I put a hidden shelf and at the very bottom buried underneath other secret things is a black wooden box. Inside is a delicate silver ring made of flowers and vines with tiny diamonds.

Why did I never give it to Ariella? During my time with her I didn't even think of the ring but with Meghan I remember? I pick up the ring and put in my pocket, write a quick note for her and set out to Meghan's room.

There is no one around when I reach her door, I walk in without knocking and she's sitting on the bed looking tired. When the door opened she looked up but didn't smile. Working on not showing emotion, I suppose.

"Meghan," I whisper softly. "I'm going with my brothers to look for the iron fey. I'll find someone to look out for you but be strong, please."

She looked at me and nodded then held my hand. I noticed it had a silver ring on her fourth finger. I looked at her and slide the ring off and pulled the one from my pocket out. The flower ring fit her finger perfectly, as if it was made for her alone. It seems fate is saying it was made for Meghan maybe that's why I never thought of it when Ariella was alive.

I kissed her hand then put the note in her hand. I stare at her a long moment then walk out.

Meghan's POV

I watched his silver eyes warm while he studies my face then he was gone. I look at the ring on my right hand, it's beautiful.

I sit down and open his note...

Meghan,

I don't want to leave but my queen orders it and I must obey. I have never stayed at court long and if I do now I fear someone may guess why. Be strong, my love. Do not walk about much because there are creatures here that might harm you even if Mab's orders say different. Protect yourself and do not show weakness. I will think of you while I'm gone, remember always that I love you.

Destroy this note as soon as possible.

Ash

I read the note a few times then reluctantly tossed it in the hearth where a fire of blue flames burn. I watch it burn to make sure all traces of it is gone. My heart aches at his departure but I promise to be strong for him. The love I feel for him will keep me strong until he returns.

Ash's POV

I walked out and gathered more weapons then went out to the stables. I felt like a part of me was still with her and she with me.

I finished readying my horse when my brothers arrived. Within minuets we set out to find the iron fey, I knew we wouldn't find them. They already knew that we may set out to find them. I hope I return to Meghan. I hope for her to be strong. I hope to find the Iron kingdom and the Iron Fey. I hope I can trust the one looking out for Meghan. I wish that Meghan doesn't do anything stupid.